Our attention has been drawn to deliberate attempts to divert public scrutiny from the real issue surrounding the ₦100 million Christmas Bonus fund meant for 50 groups in Cross River State. Rather than addressing the fundamental question—where is the money?—certain individuals and media actors have resorted to attacking the person of Rt. Hon. Otuekong Orok Otu Duke, the Cross River State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
For clarity:
The Real Issue is the ₦100 Million Fund, Not Personality Politics
The funds in question were allocated by NDDC for youths and women across the three senatorial districts of Cross River State. However, instead of allowing due process through the state representative’s office, the Senator representing the Southern Senatorial District, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, allegedly hijacked the process and took control of the funds. This is a matter of public concern, and no amount of media diversion can erase the fact that Cross Riverians are still waiting for transparency regarding the ₦100 million.
The Fake Beneficiary List: A Smokescreen to Misdirect the Public
After sustained pressure from the media demanding accountability, a list surfaced, purportedly showing groups handpicked by Orok Duke to receive the funds. This list is false. Rt. Hon. Orok Duke has openly challenged its publishers to provide verifiable details, including the account numbers and contact details of the supposed beneficiaries. Until this is done, the list remains a deliberate act of misinformation.
Denial of Interviews is a Common Political Tactic—The Focus Must Remain on Accountability
Recent efforts by certain journalists to discredit Orok Duke’s reputation over a past interview are nothing but a calculated distraction from the real issue. This is a non sequitur.
The same journalists pushing this agenda are aware that politicians routinely deny interviews or public statements when it suits their political survival. Even Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong himself, while serving as Commissioner for Finance in 2018, publicly denied his gubernatorial ambition within 24 hours of making a clear statement on record. This is a failed attempt to divert attention from the missing ₦100 million?
Cross Riverians Must Not Be Distracted—Demand Accountability!
The people of Cross River State deserve to know the whereabouts of the ₦100 million meant for youths and women across all three senatorial districts. Those responsible for disbursing the funds should present verifiable records rather than sponsoring personal attacks against the NDDC state representative.
Rt. Hon. Orok Duke remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the equitable distribution of resources meant for the development of Cross River State. He will not be intimidated by smear campaigns aimed at shielding those who have questions to answer.
Cross Riverians, stay focused—demand accountability!
Signed:
Cross River Rep NDDC Media Team
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